Sunday, 24 August 2025

Pooler Warming Up Nicely but Welsh Rugby in Turmoil

I didn’t make the trip to Moseley but I was delighted to see that Pontypool had a great pre-season workout against stiff opposition and came away with a narrow 29-31 victory. Good to see that Scott Mathews hasn’t forgotten the way to the try line. The next warm up match will be at Cinderford where Pooler can expect a warm welcome in more ways than one. The season proper gets ever nearer and I for one can’t wait for the first league game against Swansea at home on September 13th.

Welsh Rugby seems to be hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons with the WRU not really building much confidence as they propose two team professional rugby as the way forward. I for one have never really embraced regional rugby finding a diet of Pontypool and Wales quite sufficient. I therefore do not really feel able to match the passion of the regional fans who are understandably up in arms. Having watched some regional matches on TV there always seemed to be large swathes of empty spaces in the stands for most games. The four regions have certainly not set the world alight and seem to be in a death spiral financially as they try and compete with wealthier opposition. Something needs to be done as if we keep doing what we are doing we will keep getting what we are getting.

As in all such situations, it is uncertainty that does significant damage to all involved. It seems that we have reached the consultation stage as to how we get to two professional outfits rather than whether we should. I don’t expect to be consulted but good luck to those who are. It makes splitting the atom look like child’s play.

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